Funnyman Will Ferrell has a name and a face that is world-renowned. He started off as a cast member on Saturday Night Live before he went on to star in some of the most hilarious films in recent history. While he often plays characters that are not exactly intelligent, Will is actually one of the most intelligent people around. In 2007, he was ranked #17 on EW’s 50 Smartest People in Hollywood list.

Will Ferrell graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Sports Information. In an example of art imitating life, Will wanted to become a sports broadcaster before he slipped into the suit of Ron Burgundy. While his character in the movie is a clown, Will was hardly the class clown in school. He was studious and landed an internship at NBC Sports. It was there that he told a funny joke on-air and decided to make a career in the world of comedy.

Thanks to a combination of his intelligence, wit and jokes, Will is a huge box-office draw. He next stars in Step Brothers, in theaters this summer.